The first US state constitution to prohibit slavery was that of Vermont. Adopted in 1777, Vermont's constitution was the first in North America to explicitly prohibit slavery and indentured servitude. This historic document set the stage for the eventual abolition of slavery in the United States.

Vermont's early stance against slavery was in stark contrast to many other states at the time, where the institution of slavery was still legal and widely practiced. The state's commitment to freedom and equality was further solidified in 1791 when Vermont became the 14th state to join the Union, and it was the first state admitted after the original 13 colonies.

By prohibiting slavery from the outset, Vermont set an important precedent for the rest of the country. It demonstrated that a state could thrive and prosper without relying on the labor of enslaved individuals. This commitment to freedom and equality would later be enshrined in the US Constitution with the passage of the 13th Amendment, which officially abolished slavery in 1865.

Today, Vermont's early stance against slavery is commemorated through various historical sites and museums that highlight the state's role in the abolitionist movement. Visitors can learn more about Vermont's history and its commitment to freedom by visiting sites such as the Rokeby Museum or the Vermont History Museum.

For more information on Vermont's constitution and its stance on slavery, you can visit the Vermont Secretary of State's website at https://sos.vermont.gov/. There, you can access historical documents and resources that shed light on Vermont's early commitment to freedom and equality.

In conclusion, Vermont's constitution was the first in the United States to prohibit slavery, setting an important precedent for the eventual abolition of slavery in the country. By taking a stand against slavery from the outset, Vermont demonstrated its commitment to freedom and equality, a legacy that continues to be celebrated today.

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